The FIDE Women Grand Prix that took part from 3rd to 15th of October in Monte Carlo Casino, was officially closed in one of the most luxurious private rooms Salle Médecin.The event was attended by such honorable guests as Mr. Jacques Boisson, Secretary of State of Prince Albert II of Monaco; FIDE President Kirsan Ilumzhinov; Mrs. Agnes Puons, General Secretary of Société des Bains de Mer; Mr. Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of European Chess Union; Jean Michel Repaire, the President of Monaco chess federation, and Mr. Andrey Filatov, FIDE Vice-President and the President of Russian chess federation, among other important personalities of Monaco and the chess world.

His Excellency Jacques Boisson, Secretary of State of Prince Albert II of Monaco

The winner of the first leg WGP, Yifan Hou (China), 9 out of 11, performance 2766

The last round was not as peaceful as one would expect. Number one of the World ranking Yifan Hou secured tournament’s victory already after round 10, as she had a 1,5 point advantage over second-placed Humpy Koneru, so she was ready for an open battle in the last round, trying to take advantage of the White pieces. But her opponent, Alexandra Kosteniuk, played a very good game with Black and got chances even for victory, but after five hours the game finished with a draw. Anna Muzychuk won her first game in the tournament against Humpy Koneru, and thanks to this result her sister Mariya Muzychuk, who drew with Almira Skripchenko, managed to reach Koneru and take second place. Natalija Pogonina and Pia Cramling made a draw and shared the 4th and 5th places. In the other boards, Antoaneta Stefanova and Natalia Zhukova played an interesting game, which ended in a threefold repetition, while Nana Dzagnidze won her fourth game in a raw, against Sarasadat Khademalsharieh.

Interview with Mrs. Agnes Puons, General Secretary of Société des Bains de Mer

The Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), is a publicly traded company registered in the Principality of Monaco. SBM manages and owns the Monte Carlo Casino, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.